5 Ingredient Tamale Pie Recipe From Somewhat Simple

Quick and Easy Skillet Tamale Pie With Brown Butter Cornbread Crust

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Table of Contents

1. What is Tamale Pie?
2. How to Make Tamale Pie
3. What are the Ingredients?
4. How Long Does it Take to Cook?
5. Can I Make Tamale Pie Ahead of Time?

What is Tamale Pie?

Tamale Pie is a delicious and hearty Mexican-inspired dish that combines the flavors of braised skirt steak beef, charred corn, and a brown butter cornbread crust. It is a comfort food classic that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

The dish gets its name from the traditional Mexican tamale, which is a steamed corn dough filled with various ingredients. Tamale Pie takes the flavors and concept of tamales and transforms them into a casserole-style dish.

What sets Tamale Pie apart from other casseroles is the combination of flavors and textures. The braised skirt steak beef adds richness and tenderness to the dish, while the charred corn brings a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. The brown butter cornbread crust adds a crunchy and buttery element that complements the filling perfectly.

Overall, Tamale Pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to please both meat lovers and fans of Mexican cuisine.

How to Make Tamale Pie

Making Tamale Pie may seem daunting, but it is actually quite simple. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish:

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For Tamale Pie, you will need:

• 1 pound of skirt steak beef
• 2 cups of charred corn
• 1 cup of cornmeal
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Braise the Skirt Steak Beef

Start by braising the skirt steak beef. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. In a hot skillet, sear the beef on both sides until browned. Then, transfer the beef to a slow cooker and add any desired vegetables, such as onions and bell peppers. Pour in beef broth or water until the beef is partially submerged. Cook on low heat for several hours until the beef is tender and easily shreddable.

Prepare the Charred Corn

To make the charred corn, heat a skillet over high heat. Add the corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are charred and slightly blackened. This will give the corn a smoky flavor. Set aside the charred corn for later use.

Make the Brown Butter Cornbread Crust

To make the brown butter cornbread crust, start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the butter until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the brown butter and milk, stirring until the batter is well combined.

Assemble and Bake the Tamale Pie

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer the braised skirt steak beef and charred corn. Pour the brown butter cornbread batter over the filling, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.

Once the Tamale Pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut it into squares or wedges and serve hot. It pairs well with a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top.

What are the Ingredients?

The ingredients used in Tamale Pie are what give this dish its unique and delicious flavor. Here's a breakdown of the main ingredients:

Skirt Steak Beef

Skirt steak beef is the star of the show in Tamale Pie. It is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that is perfect for braising. The long, thin shape of skirt steak allows it to absorb flavors well and become melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked low and slow.

Charred Corn

Charred corn adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to Tamale Pie. The charring process brings out the natural sugars in the corn and gives it a delicious caramelized taste. It also adds a nice texture and color to the dish.

Cornmeal

Cornmeal is a key ingredient in the brown butter cornbread crust. It gives the crust a slightly grainy texture and a rich corn flavor. The cornmeal also helps bind the crust together and gives it a golden brown color when baked.

Brown Butter

Brown butter is the secret ingredient that takes the cornbread crust to the next level. When butter is cooked until it turns golden brown, it develops a nutty aroma and a rich, caramel-like flavor. Adding brown butter to the cornbread batter adds depth and richness to the overall dish.

Milk

Milk is used to moisten the cornbread batter and make it easier to mix. It also adds richness and a creamy texture to the crust. You can use any type of milk, such as whole milk or almond milk.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the cornbread crust rise and become light and fluffy. It reacts with the other ingredients in the batter to create carbon dioxide gas, which creates air pockets in the crust and gives it a tender texture.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the beef and cornbread crust. They enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and help balance the overall taste of the dish.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese adds a savory and gooey element to Tamale Pie. It melts on top of the cornbread crust during baking, creating a cheesy and delicious topping.

How Long Does it Take to Cook?

The cooking time for Tamale Pie can vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking method used. Here is a general guideline for the cooking times:

Braising the Skirt Steak Beef

The skirt steak beef is typically braised for several hours until it becomes tender and easily shreddable. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the beef, as well as the cooking temperature. In a slow cooker, the beef can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours on low heat. If braising on the stovetop or in the oven, it may take slightly less time, around 3 to 4 hours.

Preparing the Charred Corn

The charred corn is quick and easy to prepare. It only takes about 5 to 10 minutes to char the corn kernels in a hot skillet. You can cook them on high heat, stirring occasionally, until they are blackened and slightly charred. Once done, set them aside for later use.

Making the Brown Butter Cornbread Crust

The preparation of the brown butter cornbread crust is relatively quick. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to melt the butter, mix the dry ingredients, and combine everything into a batter. Once the batter is ready, you can pour it over the filling and proceed with baking.

Baking the Tamale Pie

The Tamale Pie is typically baked in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size of the baking dish and the thickness of the crust. It's important to keep an eye on the pie towards